Trial set for co-defendants in NFL star sexual assault case

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Jury selection is set to begin in New Orleans for two people authorities say are tied to the drug and sexual assault case that brought down former NFL star Darren Sharper.

Brandon Licciardi (lih-CHAR'-dee) and Erik Nunez face federal charges related to allegations that they, and Sharper, gave drugs to women with the intent to rape them. Licciardi and Nunez have pleaded not guilty.

Selection of jurors was scheduled to start Monday. After a jury is chosen, the trial will recess until opening arguments planned Friday.

Sharper pleaded guilty or no-contest to allegations in Arizona, Nevada, California and Louisiana. He is expected to testify at the trial. His cooperation with prosecutors could be a factor at his August sentencing hearing. He faces a possible 15-20 years in prison.